Fresh Produce Procurement Manager

Job Description
Company Name: Veg 4 You Pty Ltd (as trustee for the Om Family Trust)
Position: Fresh Produce Procurement Manager
Location: Northfield premises & Store 23, Adelaide Produce Market, Pooraka SA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: $98,000 per annum plus superannuation
About Us
Veg 4 You Pty Ltd is a South Australian fresh produce business that sources, buys and distributes fresh fruit and vegetables to retail, wholesale and hospitality customers. Operating from our Northfield premises and Store 23 at the Adelaide Produce Market in Pooraka, we work directly with wholesalers and local growers across South Australia to deliver reliable, cost-effective and food-safe produce. Our success depends on smart buying, strong supplier relationships and a commitment to quality and service.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Fresh Produce Procurement Manager leads and is accountable for the procurement function of Veg 4 You Pty Ltd - the sourcing, purchasing, pricing and supplier management of all fresh fruit and vegetables the business on-sells and distributes. Operating from the Adelaide Produce Market and direct grower relationships across South Australia, the role sets purchasing strategy, negotiates prices and terms, controls procurement spend and quality, and ensures a reliable, cost-effective and food-safe supply of produce to meet customer demand. It is a management position responsible for the commercial buying decisions on which the business's margins and service levels depend.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and review the company's purchasing and procurement strategy, category plans and annual buying plans, aligned to business objectives and seasonal produce cycles.
• Own the commercial performance of the procurement function - deliver category growth against key financial metrics (sales, margin, profit and inventory) and manage procurement spend to budget.
• Source, evaluate and select suppliers - including Adelaide Produce Market wholesalers and direct growers in Virginia, Waterloo Corner, Penfield Gardens and Buckland Park - and develop long-term supplier partnerships.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, volumes, quality specifications, supply terms and contracts with suppliers and growers to achieve the best commercial outcome for the business.
• Plan and manage purchasing volumes against forecast customer demand (retail, wholesale and hospitality clients) to maintain availability while minimising overstock, spoilage and waste of perishable goods.
• Set, monitor and report on procurement KPIs, cost savings, margins and price movements to the Director, and act on category and market insights.
• Establish and enforce produce quality, grading and food-safety specifications at the point of purchase; communicate seasonal quality adjustments and manage supplier quality issues, claims and returns.
• Oversee inbound logistics and cold-chain requirements with the distribution team so produce is collected, transported and stored at required temperatures.
• Lead, develop and coordinate the purchasing, warehouse and logistics staff and casual buyers - allocating tasks, setting priorities, building a high-performing team and reviewing performance.
• Maintain procurement records, supplier agreements, pricing data and purchasing systems, and ensure compliance with relevant commercial and food-safety requirements.
• Identify new supply sources, product lines and cost or efficiency improvements to support the growth of the business.

Requirements

• A relevant bachelor degree or higher qualification (e.g. business, commerce, supply chain/logistics or agribusiness); OR at least five (5) years of relevant procurement/purchasing management experience in lieu of formal qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement, purchasing or supply management, preferably in fresh produce, perishable goods, FMCG or food distribution.
• Proven supplier negotiation, price and contract management, and budget/cost-control skills.
• Sound knowledge of produce quality and grading standards, cold-chain handling and food-safety requirements.
• Strong planning, analytical, communication and staff-management skills.

Desirable

• Experience buying at a central produce market and managing direct grower supply relationships.
• Familiarity with the South Australian fresh-produce supply chain and seasonal availability.
• Experience using inventory / purchasing systems.

Hours, Location and Remuneration
This is a full-time, permanent and ongoing position of 38 ordinary hours per week, with additional hours as reasonably required, based at the company's Northfield premises and Store 23 at the Adelaide Produce Market, Pooraka. Remuneration is $98,000 per annum plus superannuation, together with all minimum entitlements under the National Employment Standards.